Book Review: Stakeouts and Strollers by Rob Phillips

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Charlie and his family, good mystery

Cons: Charlie seems a bit reckless

The Bottom Line:

Changes in his life

And dangerous mystery

This debut is good

Low on Sleep. High on Crime

I’ve enjoyed several of the winners of the Minotaur Books/Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Novel over the years, so when I saw that Stakeouts and Strollers, the recently published debut from Rob Phillips, won the contest back in 2024, I had to give it a try. 

The book introduces us to Charlie Shaw, a first-time father who is also a newly licensed private investigator. Between the career change and a six-month-old who isn’t sleeping through the night, he’s struggling. 

While he’s out on surveillance, he meets a teenager who is looking for her father. Charlie can’t help but feel for her, and he decides to take on the case even though she can’t pay him. However, he quickly figures out that he’s brought a lot of danger on his family. Is his client’s father still alive? Can he figure out what is happening before the danger hits too close to home?

I was expecting a bit of a comedic PI novel when I picked this book up. While there are some humorous parts, especially Charlie’s banter with his wife, the book is fairly serious in tone overall. That includes some rough language and a bit more violence than I was expecting as well. Keep all that in mind when you go to pick up this book. 

The mystery itself kept me entertained the entire way through. There is a lot going on, but I never had trouble keeping up with the events and Charlie’s theories. The ending was suspenseful and logical. I was quite happy when I set it down. 

I really liked Charlie, and especially his relationship with his family. We really got to know him as the book progressed and could sympathize with what he was experiencing as a new father. His wife and daughter were also good characters. In fact, as the book progressed, I felt like everyone came to life on the page. 

I did feel like Charlie took a few unnecessary risks over the course of the book, especially for a new father. But that’s a minor critique. 

The book is set in and around San Francisco, not too far from where I grew up. There’s one place that doesn’t seem possible geographically, but I’m sure most people won’t be bothered by it. 

This book feels like it might be a standalone. If we do get a sequel, I will definitely be revisiting Charlie and family. Those looking for an enjoyable debut will be glad they picked up Stakeouts and Strollers.